English Local Council's Support for Gaza Ceasefire and Friendship Links Praised by Jewish Advocacy Group
Hastings Borough Council's recognition of friendship links with Al-Mawasi and call for ceasefire praised by Jewish advocacy group.
A Jewish advocacy group has commended an English local council for its stance on the Gaza conflict, including its support for a ceasefire in the region.
The Hastings Borough Council recently passed a motion calling for an immediate end to hostilities in Gaza, halting arms sales to Israel, and continuing civic ties with Al-Mawasi, a town in southern Gaza declared a safe zone by the Israeli military but which has faced repeated attacks despite this designation.
Hastings Jews for Justice expressed their approval of the council's actions, emphasizing the importance of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The group also criticized some Labour councilors who suggested that supporting the motion was 'divisive' or an attack on local Jewish communities.
The successful vote came after a change in the council's political makeup following local elections, passing by a majority of 14 Green and Hastings Independent Group councilors against three dissenting votes and 11 abstentions mostly from Labour.
The motion was proposed by Green Party councilor Yunis Smith, who questioned whether the council had done enough to support Palestinians in Gaza.
Smith highlighted that both Al-Mawasi and Hastings are coastal towns defined not only by their geography but also by the resilience of their people.
He emphasized the importance of solidarity and human connection over cruelty.
The friendship links between the two communities have been nurtured through a language exchange and solidarity program developed by Hastings Friends of Al-Mawasi, which has reported increased threatening behavior toward supporters of Palestine in Al-Mawasi.
Hastings' decision to support a ceasefire joins a growing number of UK councils that have made similar calls.
The Jewish advocacy group stated this stance demonstrated an important act of solidarity with people suffering greatly and reaffirmed their commitment as British Jews.
Council leader Glen Haffenden, from the Greens, has received more correspondence on this issue than any other since taking office.
Additionally, Sussex Police are investigating reports of an assault on a woman wearing a keffiyeh at a public venue, highlighting ongoing tensions related to the conflict.
The Hastings Borough Council recently passed a motion calling for an immediate end to hostilities in Gaza, halting arms sales to Israel, and continuing civic ties with Al-Mawasi, a town in southern Gaza declared a safe zone by the Israeli military but which has faced repeated attacks despite this designation.
Hastings Jews for Justice expressed their approval of the council's actions, emphasizing the importance of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The group also criticized some Labour councilors who suggested that supporting the motion was 'divisive' or an attack on local Jewish communities.
The successful vote came after a change in the council's political makeup following local elections, passing by a majority of 14 Green and Hastings Independent Group councilors against three dissenting votes and 11 abstentions mostly from Labour.
The motion was proposed by Green Party councilor Yunis Smith, who questioned whether the council had done enough to support Palestinians in Gaza.
Smith highlighted that both Al-Mawasi and Hastings are coastal towns defined not only by their geography but also by the resilience of their people.
He emphasized the importance of solidarity and human connection over cruelty.
The friendship links between the two communities have been nurtured through a language exchange and solidarity program developed by Hastings Friends of Al-Mawasi, which has reported increased threatening behavior toward supporters of Palestine in Al-Mawasi.
Hastings' decision to support a ceasefire joins a growing number of UK councils that have made similar calls.
The Jewish advocacy group stated this stance demonstrated an important act of solidarity with people suffering greatly and reaffirmed their commitment as British Jews.
Council leader Glen Haffenden, from the Greens, has received more correspondence on this issue than any other since taking office.
Additionally, Sussex Police are investigating reports of an assault on a woman wearing a keffiyeh at a public venue, highlighting ongoing tensions related to the conflict.
